Female members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) are still raving about the recent conference held for them under the theme ‘I’ll rise up too’.

For Detective Inspector Claudette Hepburn from the Major Investigations Division (MID), the gathering with her peers was “a blessing in disguise”.

“As a female in the JCF with 30 continuous years of service I believe, once in a while, the females do need a boost to enhance service. This conference did just that for me,” she told the Jamaica Observer after the event which targeted 100 women from different branches and divisions within the JCF.

“The programme was well planned and executed. The speakers gave lifelong lessons through their own experiences, which did not only motivate me, but gave me a lot to pass on to females who weren’t able to attend,” Hepburn emphasised.

Assistant chaplain and superintendent of police, Pastor Dr Courtney Faulknor explained the thinking behind the event, which was held last month at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

“Our female officers face the same stressors as their male counterparts, whether in gunfight with criminals or the long working hours from which they are not exempt. The non-geographic formation number two chaplaincy unit is mindful of these challenges that our women in law enforcement face and proactively crafts intervention to address them. The conference sought to provide empowerment in a holistic manner, which will have lasting and far-reaching impact on their lives,” he said.

It was difficult for Assistant Superintendent of Police Cadesha Simms to select just one highlight. She was impressed by the presentations of educational practitioner and motivational speaker Esther Tyson who spoke about emerging stronger after setbacks and US-based nutritionist Dr Shane Jackson who “showed the correlation between a healthy lifestyle and law.

She was equally captivated by the sessions done by professional banking executive at Jamaica National Bank, Petal James, as well as marriage officer and sexologist, Reverend Dr Carla Dunbar.

“Petal James’ session on ‘I’ll rise up too socio-economically better’ provided a medium where women can be financially independent. Dividing our financial wants against our needs stood out for me,” said Simms.

“Dr Carla Dunbar spoke on ‘I’ll rise up too sexually stimulated and ready to pleasure’. She captured the audience from the beginning of her presentation to the end, and left us wanting to hear more,” Simms added.

Corporal Joett Harvey from the Canine Division also benefited from the biennial conference.

“It has been my second time attending a women’s police conference and the experience seems to be better each time. At this year’s conference there was great fun and laughter, backed up with educational and informative ideas presented by various interesting speakers drawn both locally and internationally,” she stated.

The female cops were also entertained with music and comedy from the JCF band, gospel artiste Sister Nicky, reggae artiste Queen Ifrica, and comedian Ian “Ity” Ellis.